

Trapital
Dan Runcie
Trapital is where technology meets culture. Hear breakdowns on the most important trends in tech, media, and entertainment. Trapital founder Dan Runcie and various guests break down the moves that shape the rest of society. Learn more
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 28min
Udio CEO Andrew Sanchez on AI’s Future in Music
Andrew Sanchez, CEO of Udio, dives into how AI is reshaping the music industry, emphasizing creative co-creation over replacement. He discusses the importance of fostering trust between artists and technology while exploring innovative business models for monetization. Tati Cirisano, VP at MIDiA Research, adds industry insights, prompting a reflection on historical tech shifts and the need for cooperation. Together, they envision a future where artists and fans collaborate more closely, creating equitable frameworks and unique musical experiences.

Oct 16, 2025 • 28min
Steve Pamon on How to Create Moments That Matter
Steve Pamon, CEO of VERZUZ and a veteran entertainment executive with experience at HBO, NFL, and WWE, shares insights on creating impactful live events. He discusses the art of storytelling and team execution in scaling moments into franchises, using examples like Beyoncé and Coachella. Pamon warns against high ticket pricing that alienates fans and highlights the importance of consistency and cultural conversations. Additionally, he reflects on logistics and fan experience improvements, revealing lessons learned from the WWE and the challenges of distribution in the music industry.

Oct 9, 2025 • 23min
Andreea Gleeson on TuneCore’s Next Chapter
Andreea Gleeson, the CEO of TuneCore, discusses her passion for empowering independent artists while diving into TuneCore's global impact and recent growth milestones. She highlights the significance of both superfans and micro-audiences in an artist's strategy. Gleeson also shares insights on upcoming tools and features designed to help artists maximize their reach and revenue. With the independent music scene booming, she addresses challenges such as market fragmentation and the influence of AI. Tune in for an inspiring look at the future of music.

Oct 2, 2025 • 24min
Kakul Srivastava on Why Splice Acquired Spitfire Audio
Kakul Srivastava, the CEO of Splice and a tech veteran from Adobe and GitHub, dives into the transformative power of technology in music. She discusses Splice's strategic acquisition of Spitfire Audio, emphasizing its rigorous recording standards and the integration of AI tools. Kakul shares insights on the balance between creative control for artists and the need for respect in AI usage. She also highlights the importance of data-driven growth and the future of royalty-free models in kickstarting creativity and supporting creators.

Sep 25, 2025 • 24min
Oliver Schusser on Apple’s Strategy in Music, AI’s Potential, and the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music and International Content, shares insights from his experience shaping Apple’s music strategy. He reflects on the evolution from iTunes to Apple Music, emphasizing a quality-first and artist-focused approach. Schusser discusses the impact of AI on music experiences and its creative potential. He also details Apple’s involvement in major live events like the Super Bowl Halftime Show and their measured approach to sports rights, all while navigating the challenges of artist compensation in streaming.

8 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 20min
Elliot Grainge on Atlantic’s Future, AI, and Selling 10K Projects
Elliot Grainge, founder of 10K Projects and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, shares insights on his recent leadership transition. He reflects on selling 10K Projects and the emotional journey behind it. Elliot discusses how scrappy tactics can be adapted for superstars like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran, particularly in creating cultural moments and employing real-time marketing strategies. He also explores the impact of AI on the music industry, offering a forward-thinking perspective on artist development and innovation.

11 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 43min
Trapital Summit Recap: Venue Surprise, Highlights, and Behind the Scenes Moments
Tati Cirisano, an Analyst at MIDiA Research, joins the conversation to dissect the recent Trapital Summit. She reveals the challenges faced, including a surprise venue change due to bankruptcy. The discussion highlights key moments and valuable feedback from attendees. They delve into the roles of AI and industry trends, emphasizing the transformation of artists into multifaceted brands. With reflections on programming decisions and future aspirations, Tati offers insights into how collaboration and authenticity are reshaping the music landscape.

Aug 29, 2025 • 10min
How Much Is The Weeknd's Music Really Worth?
The podcast dives into The Weeknd's ambitious $1 billion music rights financing goal. It explores how his catalog serves as collateral, drawing comparisons to David Bowie's innovative Bowie bonds. The discussion highlights the shifting landscape of music ownership and streaming revenues. Additionally, it honors the late Peter Sinclair, a significant figure in the music industry, while looking forward to an upcoming summit, promising an exciting lineup of speakers.

7 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 18min
Have Record Labels Turned Into Private Equity Firms?
The podcast dives into how major record labels are transitioning into private equity-like firms, focusing on acquiring legendary music back catalogs instead of signing new artists. It explores the financial shifts driven by streaming royalties, which elevate the value of proven hits. The discussion unveils changes in artist deals, a reduction in risk-taking by labels, and the rise of global investors seeking ownership in music assets. This transformation in the industry hints at a new future for both artists and record companies.

12 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 18min
The Business Behind Iconic Music Catalogs
Explore the fascinating world of iconic music catalogs and what makes them so valuable. Discover the intricate dynamics behind legendary artists like Queen and Michael Jackson, and learn how their enduring appeal influences financial success. Dive into the impact of music genres on catalog valuation and the significance of streaming in today’s market. Uncover the future of music rights and what it means for artists and investors alike.


